Mariners for Action-MFA

22/04/2026

Fish remains one of the most important and accessible sources of protein globally, contributing around 20–23% of animal protein intake in Sub-Saharan Africa and supporting millions of livelihoods. In East and Southern Africa, however, production is not keeping pace with rising demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing diets. Average fish consumption in many countries remains low at about 5–10 kg per capita per year, compared to the global average of over 20 kg.

This gap presents a clear opportunity. While capture fisheries remain essential, many small-scale fishers are increasingly limited to nearshore and inland waters, placing growing pressure on already overexploited fish stocks and aquatic ecosystems.

Aquaculture offers a scalable and sustainable solution. Although Africa currently contributes only about 2% of global aquaculture production, the sector has grown rapidly in recent decades. With structured production systems and strong market linkages, fish farming can ease pressure on wild fisheries, support ecosystem recovery, and create jobs across the value chain.

However, growth is still constrained by limited technical capacity, access to quality seed and feed, financing gaps, and weak market integration.

Working with key stakeholders across East and Southern Africa through the newly constituted consortium, East & Southern Africa Ocean Resilience Alliance(ESA-ORA), we are co-creating a framework to strengthen small-scale fishers’ capacity in sustainable aquaculture, enabling a shift toward resilient, market-driven fish production systems that improve livelihoods, food security, and environmental sustainability.

https://www.esaora.org/

16/04/2026

04/04/2026

07/03/2026

On 26 February 2026, we participated in the Safer Livelihoods in Fishing and Aquaculture Workshop at Hotel Englishpoint Marina in Mombasa, convened by Global Compact Network Kenya (GCNK). The forum brought together a diverse group of stakeholders committed to strengthening occupational safety, promoting decent work, and advancing sustainability across coastal fisheries and aquaculture value chains.

Representing Mariners for Action (MFA), our Research Coordinator, Nicholas Okeyo, contributed to the discussions by sharing insights drawn from community-based coastal initiatives and highlighting the practical challenges experienced by fishers and other actors operating along the fisheries value chain.

The discussions underscored the importance of effectively implementing occupational safety and health standards guided by the principles of the International Labour Organization across all stages of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Particular focus was placed on the distinct occupational and environmental risks present in urban coastal settings where fishers, fish processors, and aquaculture workers operate within hazardous working environments.

Participants further emphasized the need to safeguard vulnerable groups, especially women and youth who play a significant role in post-harvest fisheries activities and emerging aquaculture enterprises. Strengthening coordination among Beach Management Units, county governments, regulatory agencies, and community actors was identified as essential for improving safety standards and governance across the sector. Additionally, enhanced data collection and the integration of community-informed solutions were highlighted as key to supporting more resilient and sustainable coastal livelihoods.

27/02/2026

We conducted a town cleanup as part of our ongoing efforts to reduce plastic waste finding its way into the sea. The event was graced by the local area administration, representatives from the Kilifi County Department of Environment and Climate Change, and the Marereni community.

Held in collaboration with Marereni Umoja CBO and Tebari Limited ari Limited, the cleanup focused on collecting discarded plastics within sections of Marereni town centre.

A total of 70 participants were involved, and 25 kilograms of PET alongside other assorted waste were collected, all aimed at making Marereni a cleaner and more environmentally responsible town.

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marinersfa.org

20/02/2026

On 7 February 2026, we had the honour of hosting a group of visitors from the United States during a conservation trip organized by SEE Turtles in partnership with Seas4Life Trust at Robinson island . The visit began with a vibrant cultural performance by the Jereni Cultural Group, whose powerful showcase of local traditions set an inspiring tone for the day. This was followed by a hands-on mangrove planting activity, allowing the guests to actively participate in our ongoing ecosystem restoration efforts.

We take pride in contributing towards meaningful cultural exchange experiences that celebrate our heritage while directly engaging visitors in community-led conservation initiatives. The community remains deeply grateful to George Brad Nahill,SEE Turtles and Seas4Life Trusts team for their continued partnership, support for conservation work, and commitment to strengthening sustainable livelihoods through culturally immersive ecotourism.


George Brad Nahill, Seas4Life Trust,SEE Turtles

03/02/2026

Yesterday, 2nd February 2026, we joined other stakeholders in marking World Wetlands Day at Robinson Island, in an event sponsored by Nature Kenya-the EANHS . This year’s theme highlighted the role of culture in biodiversity conservation. The day was marked by a beach clean-up exercise that resulted in the collection of 76 kilograms of plastic waste from Kinyaule Beach and the mangrove channel, highlighting the persistent threat of marine pollution to wetland ecosystems.

The celebrations also featured a cultural dance performance by our affiliate, Jerena Cultural Group. Representing the organization, Symon Ikham emphasized the critical need to support conservation groups with sustainable livelihood models to achieve long-term conservation and sustainability goals

Kenya Wildlife Service, Malindi

22/01/2026

Our environmental education program has kicked off this year with incredible enthusiasm from students. We are excited to build on this momentum through hands-on learning and meaningful conservation action.